Description

This work presents an empirical model for describing cultural evolution - with a view to extending and replacing earlier models and also for replacing the metaphysical "philosophy of history" with a logico-empirical alternative. This model is shown to be underpinned by thermodynamics and the associated goal of equilibrium.
I apply Shannon's equation of information entropy to show that cultural and natural equilibrium have a necessarily destabilizing effect on the wider environment thereby objectively falsifying the so called Gaia hypothesis. An alternative model, which I call Macro-biology, is suggested.
I argue that the unit of cultural selection is the same as the unit of natural selection (i.e. the gene) thus rendering the Meme concept an unnecessary reification.
Finaly some comments indicating the applicability of this model to the study of the arts and ethics and aesthetics are made.